The artificial knee joint is made from a surgical-grade metal alloy with a special wear resistant plastic insert. Total Knee Replacement is one of the most successful operations available today with over 90% still functioning well at 15 years.

Prior to surgery you will usually have tried some conservative treatments such as simple analgesics, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications, modification of your activities, walking aids, or physical therapy.

When these measures have failed it is time to consider surgery.

Who is suitable for Total Knee Replacement?

The procedure is usually recommended for patients who suffer from pain and loss of function from arthritis that has not responded to conservative methods of therapy.

Each patient is assessed individually but total knee replacement may be indicated for patients who are:

Suffering pain, and

Have restricted mobility that is interfering with their lifestyle

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

The decision to proceed with TKR surgery is a cooperative one between you, your surgeon, your family and other medical professionals.

The benefits following surgery are relief of symptoms of arthritis. These include

Severe pain that limits your everyday activities including walking, shopping, visiting friends, getting in and out of chair, gardening, etc.

Pain waking you at night

Deformity- either bowleg or knock knees

Stiffness

The benefits are that older patients or severely arthritic patients have a clear solution to help relieve symptoms and pain.

Components of a knee replacement

The artificial knee joint consists of:

An upper metal component shaped and sized to fit the end of the femur

A flat metal tibial component made of metal alloys fixed to the bone

A plastic insert designed to bear significant wear

A patellar button which resurfaces the back of your knee cap.

Total Knee Replacement Procedure

The procedure is designed to be performed with minimal local trauma

The knee joint is exposed using a minimally invasive approach

The damaged portions of the femur and tibia are then cut at the appropriate angles using a high tech intra-operative computerised navigation system

Trial components are then inserted to check the accuracy of these cuts and determine the thickness of plastic required to place in between these two components.

The patella (kneecap) will be resurfaced in most cases. 80% of the natural kneecap is retained

The real components are then inserted with or without cement and the knee is again checked for implant fit, alignment and stability

The knee is then carefully closed with dissolving sutures and skin glue. Sterile waterproof dressings and a compression bandage are applied.

Each knee is individual and knee replacements take this into account by having different sizes for your knee. If there is more than the usual amount of bone loss, sometimes extra pieces of metal or bone are added. Custom implants are occasionally required.

Preparations Prior to Replacement Surgery

Once it is decided that surgery is required, preparation is necessary to achieve the best results and a quick and problem free recovery.

Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result.

A treatment plan will be created specifically tailored for you

I will need a complete list of your medications so that I can advise which ones should be stopped prior to surgery

The admitting hospital will advise you of the fasting time and your arrival time on the day before surgery

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery

Stop taking aspirin, warfarin, anti-inflammatory medications or drugs that increase the risk of bleeding one week before surgery